How Identity Has Influenced A Public Policy Manager's Career At A Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke, a public policy manager, acknowledges the societal advantages afforded by his identity as a tall white man, admitting that "society has cleared the way" for him. This awareness motivates a commitment to actively checking his behavior, giving space to others' perspectives, and striving for genuine inclusivity rather than seeking absolution for past actions, recognizing that "doing better is good for the sake of doing better."
Privilege and Career Navigation, White Male Privilege, Public Policy, Global Health, Allyship and Inclusion
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Recognizing and addressing privilege: Zeke emphasizes the importance of acknowledging his privilege as a tall, white man and the societal advantages it affords him. He highlights how this awareness is crucial for navigating his career effectively and respectfully.
2. Impact of privilege on career navigation: Zeke shares his experiences of being called out for actions stemming from his privilege. He stresses the importance of receiving feedback without defensiveness, actively working to improve, and understanding that doing better is its own reward.
3. Creating an inclusive environment: Zeke discusses the responsibility of those in privileged positions to uplift others and ensure a level playing field. He notes the importance of self-monitoring to prevent inadvertently diminishing others and providing opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a person in a position of privilege, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
I think it's really important to be aware of what you're bringing into a conversation and a space. I'm a tall white man. Society has cleared the way for me, right?
It is very easy for me to just talk and express the lines I want without people cutting me off, interrupting me, or stealing my ideas and passing them off as their own. These are all things that women and people of color experience that often go unaddressed.
As a white man entering these spaces, I have been called out, and it sucks. It feels terrible. But you have to learn to not be defensive, not try to look for absolution, and not try to prove that you're one of the good ones.
Take it on the chin, take feedback seriously, don't get defensive, and try to do better. When you do better, realize you might not get a medal or a cookie. You just have to understand that doing better is good for the sake of doing better.
It's really important to stop and be aware: Have I talked for the last five minutes? Have I cut somebody off? Have I made people feel small? Have I used language that might make people a little bit nervous about me?
Does it suck to walk on eggshells? Sure, but this is the world. There are other people in this world who need to be respected because they're bringing valuable perspectives to the table.
It's very easy in American society for people who look like me, who were raised the way I was, to just steamroll over everybody and not realize it, and in some instances, get rewarded for it. People might say, "Oh, you're so eloquent. You're so confident." Those are things that are awarded to me, not because I earned them.
So, it's really critical for folks with privilege to recognize this, not beat yourself up about it, or feel guilty. Recognize that you have a responsibility to bring people up with you, to equalize the playing field, and to watch yourself.
Am I making people feel small and bad? Am I giving other people the chance to shine and express their own perspectives and bring their unique experiences to the table?